Weather forecasters are anticipating a significant wintry mix for the Upstate this weekend, which means the potential for snow and ice can increase the likelihood of injuries and other medical emergencies.

Whether snow or ice covers the roads, Spartanburg Regional emergency medicine and trauma professionals encourage residents to avoid traveling if at all possible. If motorists do have to be on the roads, drive very slowly. The majority of emergency calls received during inclement weather is for traffic collisions.

Danger still lurks, even if you’ve committed to staying off the roads. Falls on the ice can lead to severe injuries and time spent in Spartanburg Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center.

Emergency weather professionals are preparing for a wintry mix to ensure equipment is ready to clear roadways and respond to emergencies as needed.

You can prepare, too, in a variety of ways that will promote you and your family's safety.

Preparing your home and family:

• Check your heating system; have a professional service it if you have the chance (and at the beginning of the winter season every year). A professional will make sure that your heating system is clean and properly ventilated.
• Pick up three days’ worth of supplies, in case your power goes out. Stock food that does not require cooking or refrigeration and store water in clean containers.
• Keep medications, ID cards and emergency numbers in one place.
• Keep your phone fully charged.
• Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
  • battery-operated devices such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, and lamps
  • extra batteries
  • First-Aid kit and extra medicine
  • baby items
  • cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
• Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and deadly. Install a CO detector to prevent carbon monoxide emergencies, and check its batteries regularly. Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. Operate generators at least 20 feet from the house. Leave your home immediately and call 911 if the carbon monoxide detector sounds.
• Learn how to turn off the water line to your house, in case of a burst pipe.

Bundle up before going outside:

• Wear layers of light, warm clothing – coats, mittens, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
• If you’re playing or walking in the winter wonderland, take a buddy, a phone and an emergency kit.

Know the signs of hypothermia:

• Cold emergencies can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Our bodies are designed to regulate temperatures within a few degrees, but extreme cold can be dangerous and potentially deadly.
• The symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness and loss of coordination.
• If you have an emergency, please call 911.

If you must drive, take it slow:

• Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued an advisory.
• Make sure your car is winterized. Keep plenty of blankets, water and snacks in the vehicle in case of a breakdown.
• Drive slowly and avoid excessive, abrupt steering maneuvers. Do this, and you will be less likely to lose control of your vehicle if you hit ice. Some hazards, like black ice, may be difficult to see, especially at night.
• Follow at a safe distance. Slow down and leave plenty of room to stop.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions, even if it's four-wheel or front-wheel drive. Braking gently will help you avoid skidding. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have antilock brakes, gently pump the pedal to avoid wheel lock-up.
• Be aware of road conditions and be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges if the roads are still wet.